I just bought a 8x10 tarp from hyper light mountain gear. I called to make sure that if I ordered it that it would be here before my trip next weekend. I had one question: Does this tarp need to be manufactured or is it ready to be sent out. he said it will go out today. When I recieved my confirmation. He also wrote the following:

Hi Josh,

Thank you very much for your order. Your tarp will be shipped today and will be delivered by 4:00pm on Friday.

I also wanted to apologize for the way I answered the phone when you called. I had just rounded up my production team around the phone for a meeting with our CEO, who is out of town...and both your and his call came in at the exact time. I just answered the phone expecting it to be him, was surprised that it wasn't and again wanted to apologize for the unprofessional way I answered your call.

Thanks again and have a great day,

I didnt even notice anything unprofessional and he answered my question but this email just shows that HMG cares about their customers and clear communication.

I bought a Porter 4400 and it had a defect. They asked it be returned at their cost and they would ship another.

2nd pack had an issue, very minor, and they offered to allow me to go ahead and use it until they shipped out my replacement pack so I would not be inconvenienced. While I kept pack 2 until pack 3 arrived, I did not use it. They were so accommodating, I felt it unfair to soil a brand new pack.

Both the CFO and CEO are readily available, even when out of the office, to take calls and return them promptly. They epitomize the service we hope to get from specialized product industries.

So, a few weeks ago as I was shopping for a new tent, there service was no small factor in influencing my decision to buy a new Ultamid, even though it is untested by the market. I normally am not the first to buy. But I have confidence in these guys . . . and the tent looks dandy!

I also ordered an 8X10 tarp last week from HMG based on the fact that it was in-stock and ready to ship. I spoke with both Mike and Dan as part of the process. It is my first flat tarp and they were both extremely helpful and accommodating.

Tarp arrived in good order and on time. Best of all, the one small feature I would have custom ordered had I had the time, just so happened to have been on the tarp! It had a bonus 21st point of attachment: a tie-out in the center along the ridge line. (16 Perimeter tie-outs, 4 tie-outs placed in the center one-third and two-thirds of the interior body and one final one dead center.)

Quality control is more than producing perfect products. Quality control also extends beyond the work shop to how you deal with a customer once it gets in their hands and has an issue.

All three of the packs I received were of superior quality in function, construction and materials to other packs in the same range of weight and carrying capacity! These are not homogeneous oversea factory products, they are more or less custom builds and more susceptible to variations.

Quality control is also an element of customer service. And if a pack is not exactly what you are expecting, and the company replaces it with no cost and minimal inconvenience, then they are controlling the quality of the products they put out there on the trails.

As for price. I realize its subjective. But its an open marketplace and I choose my gear carefully. Dollar for dollar, HMG, so far at least, has products that compete. For those that disagree, find me another pack that is waterproof, sub 2lbs and can carry 40 plus pounds comfortably and durably for the same price.

Well cant comment on quality of the tarp yet but I will come back to this once i get it tomorrow and then again after using it for a couple days.

But aside from your unbacked statement I have not heard anything bad about that company.... Not to mention have you seen their gear testers/sponsored atheletes. Those guys put their gear through the wringer!!!! I wish I was half as badass as that Luc kid!

Seriously though it's the putting right that counts for me. Just look at the the SMD thread for an example of that. A Porter 4400 is still on my short list for a bigger pack - just not sure if the hip belt will work out for me. I am pretty scrawny to say the least and packs with the hip belt sewn on near the outer edges of the pack don't always work well for me. However, the attached hip belt straps may help with that.

I am not sure how small your waist is. I am 6'1 with a 32 inch waist. There is plenty of belting left to draw it in much tighter. Here are 2 pics, not great quality, but may give you an idea.

This is my 4th pack and all the others were heavier packs with waist belts reputed to be good and they were, but none are as comfortable as my Porter. I was surprised that a belt with much less substance than what I was accustomed to, fit my body so well and supports the load very comfortably.

Thanks for the picture. It's more that I am narrow across the hips, so when the hip belt is attached to the outer of the pack there can be a gap between me and the pack where the hip belt and the pack meet. Hope that makes sense, as it's a bit difficult to explain in words only. I will probably do what I usually do with packs and just order one and try it out. Return post from NZ is expensive, but a good fit is vital.

Just seen your second picture, which is very helpful thanks. I will compare the measurements with some of my other packs. Cheers.

Jason,For an extra 20, I had them add a removable hip belt. Here's a thread with some possibilities...http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=68261

I'm about to order a pack from HMG. Do you think the extra weight of the Porter is worth for increased comfort and load carrying capability? I will rarely (if ever) carry over 25 lbs, but I have a bad back and want good support. Also, is the Windrider as well padded on the lumbar area?

The 3400 series of packs all have the same padding from what I understand. Basically, the harness system is the same all across them, but the features differ.

The 2400 series is noticeably thinner. Though, I kind of like it. I think that with lighter loads it will be very nice (keep in mind I've only borrowed my wife's 2400 Southwest for some day hikes so far).